{"product_id":"sketches-of-the-philosophy-of-apparitions-or-an-attempt-to-trace-such-illusions-to-their-physical-causes-paperback-9781108027724","title":"Sketches of the Philosophy of Apparitions; Or, an Attempt to Trace Such Illusions to their Physical Causes (Paperback \/ softback) 9781108027724","description":"\u003cfont face=\"Georgia\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"6\"\u003eSketches of the Philosophy of Apparitions\u003c\/font\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cfont size=\"5\"\u003eOr, an Attempt to Trace Such Illusions to their Physical Causes\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA discussion from 1825 of the physical and physiological causes which can lead to claims of seeing of ghosts.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eSamuel Hibbert (Author)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e9781108027724, Cambridge University Press\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003ePaperback \/ softback, published 27 January 2011\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e502 pages, 3 b\/w illus.\u003cbr\u003e21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.63 kg\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003eIn this book of 1825, Samuel Hibbert (1782–1848) attempts to uncover the physical or physiological causes which might account for claims of seeing ghosts and other apparitions. Hibbert trained as a doctor, and uses anecdotal and case-study evidence to show that external physical circumstances - such as the use of stimulants, brain inflammation, hallucination during fever, or alcohol withdrawal - are most likely to be the causes of apparent sightings of supernatural phenomena. He explores the power of suggestion, whether derived from superstitions, folk tales or biblical imagery, on the imagination of the impressionable. Using the idea that the train of thought can be stimulated or depressed, and that different levels of semi-consciousness can admit of different levels of contemplation and concentration, Hibbert hypothesises that for each apparition or ghostly spectre there is a rational explanation.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003ePart I. Sketches of Certain Opinions, Ancient and Modern, which Have Been Entertained on the Subject of Apparitions\u003cbr\u003e Part II. The Particular Morbid Affections with which the Production of Phantasms is Often Connected\u003cbr\u003e Part III. Proofs that the Objects of Spectral Illusions Are Frequently Suggested by the Fantastic Imagery of Superstitious Belief\u003cbr\u003e Part IV. An Attempt to Investigate the Mental Laws which Give Rise to Spectral Illusions\u003cbr\u003e Part V. Slight Remarks on the Modifications which the Intellectual Faculty often Undergoes During Intense Excitements of the Mind\u003cbr\u003e Part VI. Summary of the Comparative Degrees of Faintness, Vividness, or Intensity Subsisting between Sensations and Ideas, during their Various Excitements and Depressions\u003cbr\u003e Part VI. Summary of the Comparative Degrees of Faintness, Vividness, or Intensity Subsisting between Sensations and Ideas, during their Various Excitements and Depressions.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003eSubject Areas: Psychology [\u003ca title=\"See our other books on Psychology\" href=\"https:\/\/freshlyprintedbooks.co.uk\/search?q=%22Psychology%20%5BJM%5D%22\"\u003eJM\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003c\/font\u003e","brand":"Cambridge University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46266014368024,"sku":"9781108027724","price":34.58,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0730\/2037\/5320\/products\/9781108027724i_1b204af4-f4a5-4b08-be46-487a6b7c9191.jpg?v=1694873477","url":"https:\/\/freshlyprintedbooks.co.uk\/products\/sketches-of-the-philosophy-of-apparitions-or-an-attempt-to-trace-such-illusions-to-their-physical-causes-paperback-9781108027724","provider":"Freshly Printed Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}